At Rs 14.90 lakh (ex-showroom, India), BMW has introduced the CE 04, the priciest electric two-wheeler and scooter presently available for purchase in India.
An 8.5kWh battery with a stated 130km electric range powers the BMW CE 4. The 2.3kW regular charger and the 6.9kW rapid charger (optional) are the two possible alternatives. The CE 04’s stated 0-100 percent charging periods are 4 hours and 20 minutes for the 2.3kW charger and 1 hour and 40 minutes for the quicker 6.9kW alternative.
The CE 04 is propelled by a liquid-cooled permanent magnet motor, which is quite unusual in India. This is rated for a maximum output of 62 Nm of torque and 31 kW (42 HP). The CE 04 features a single-sided swingarm, and the motor uses a belt final drive to send power to the rear wheel. According to BMW, the CE 04 can reach a high speed of 120 kph, which is electronically regulated, and can accelerate from 0 to 50 kph in just 2.6 seconds.
All of this is housed in an offset monoshock and telescopic fork-hung steel double loop frame. The dual 265mm discs at the front of the CE 04, married to J. Juan radially-mounted 4-piston calipers, and the second 265mm disc at the back, linked to a single piston axial caliper, are responsible for handling the brakes.
The CE 04 rolls on 15-inch wheels at both ends which are some of the largest in the scooter game in India today. Tyre sizes are akin to a middleweight sportbike with a 120/70-R15 (front) and 160/60-R15 (rear). The CE 04’s seat height is a relatively low 780mm but it’s 231kg kerb weight is almost as much as the new R 1300 GS.
The CE 04 comes standard with all-LED lighting, a Bluetooth-compatible 10.25-inch TFT display, keyless ignition, 3 riding modes (Eco, Rain, Road), ABS, switchable traction control, main stand and reverse mode. It also has a ventilated storage compartment with a USB C charger for your smartphone as well as a side-mounted storage compartment with a dedicated light. Two colours are available – blue and white.
As is the case with other BMW models, there is a veritable cornucopia of accessories available from different seats, more electronic features, taller windscreen and much more.
At its Rs 14.90 lakh asking price, the BMW CE 04 is the most expensive scooter on sale in the country. Deliveries for the CE 04 will begin in September and bookings open now.
Other scooters above the Rs 10 lakh mark in India are the Vespa 946 Dragon Edition (Rs 14.28 lakh) and the CE 04’s petrol-powered cousin, the C 400 GT (Rs 11.25 lakh). BMW Motorrad says a total of 8 new launches will happen this year, which means there are still 2 new models that are yet to come to India.